Method for playing an improved roulette casino game with playing cards

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an enhanced casino game in which the principles of the standard Roulette game are applied to a standard deck of playing cards. The method of the present invention provides an enhanced experience for the player while bringing flexibility in the choice of the casino house income ratio for the casino management team.

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 09/912,428filed on Jul. 26, 2001.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for playing a livecasino table game. More particularly, the invention relates to a methodfor playing a live casino table game offering new betting options inaddition to the wagering options offered in classical roulette casinogames and associated with more various and advantageous odds.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Casino owners are always interested in introducing new casinogames that generate more benefits for the casino house.

[0004] More particularly, the game must sustain the interest of theplayer as long as possible in order to optimize the time spent by theplayer at the table and his participation in the game.

[0005] The Roulette is a very popular table game that is found in almostall casinos. Roulette consists essentially in wagering on at least onenumber from a plurality of numbers, believing that the wagered numberwill be randomly drawn from the plurality of numbers. Players makewagers by positioning, on a game surface, some chips, tokens or markerson one or many areas, each area corresponding to one or many bettingnumbers.

[0006] The European Roulette has 37 betting numbers i.e. 1-36 and 0 andthe American Roulette has 38 betting numbers i.e. 1-36, 0 and 00.

[0007] The game surface forms a rectangular pattern of thirty-six (36)squares laid out in twelve (12) stacked rows, each row having three (3)adjacent squares, each square associated with a particular number from 1to 36.

[0008] A plurality of betting squares are on the edge of the rectangularpattern. One square represents a zero

0

, and another square represents a double zero

00

. Some squares represent a particular group of numbers arranged in ageometric pattern such as: squares associated with a

first 12 number block

, a

second 12 number block

and a

third 12 number block

; squares associated with a

first 12 number column

, a

second 12 number column

and a

third 12 number column

. Some squares represent a particular group of 18 numbers such assquares associated with the colors

red

or

black

; squares associated with

even

or

odd

parity and squares associated with the numerical ranges of 1 to 18 or 19to 36.

[0009] A player makes his or her bet by placing his positioning markers,chips or tokens at the appropriate place on the playing surface.

[0010] A

straight up

bet occurs when a player identifies a single number among 0, 00 and 1 to36 by positioning token, chip or marker on the square associated withthe number wagered by the player. A

split

bet occurs when the player identifies two numbers by positioning tokens,chips or markers on the border between two squares each one associatedto one of the wagered numbers. A

line

bet occurs when a player identifies three numbers of a same row bypositioning markers on the left border of the first left square of therow of three squares, each square associated with one of the threenumbers wagered by the player. A

square

bet occurs when a player identifies four numbers in positioning markerson the border cross between the four squares associated to the fourselected numbers wagered by the player. A

street

bet occurs when a player identifies 6 numbers of two adjacent rows bypositioning markers on the border cross formed by the two left bordersof the two first left squares of the two adjacent rows and the borderbetween the two first left-squares of the two adjacent rows, each ofthree squares wherein each square of the two adjacent rows is associatedwith one of the six numbers wagered by the player. A player identifiestwelve numbers by positioning markers on one of the squares associatedto one of three

12 card block

's or to one of the three

12 card column

's. Finally, a player may identify a particular group of 18 cards inpositioning his or her markers on one of the squares associated with thecolors

black

or

red

, the

even

or

odd

parity or the numerical ranges of 1 to 18 or 19 to 36. A player chooseshis or her betting risk level by making a wager identifying 1, 2, 3, 4,6, 12 or 18 numbers and consequently, a player chooses his or her levelof winning bet payout. For the European and American Roulettes thepayout table is as shown in Table 1. TABLE 1 Payout Table N° Of TimesThe Amount Winning Type Of Event Bet Pays Is Paid Probability Winning aStraight Up Bet Pays 36 35:1  Winning a Split Bet Pays 18 17:1  Winninga Line Bet Pays 12 11:1  Winning a Square Bet Pays 9 8:1 Winning aStreet Bet Pays 6 5:1 Winning a 12 Number Block Bet Pays 3 2:1 Winning a12 Number Column Bet Pays 3 2:1 Winning a Even or Odd Bet Pays 2 1:1Winning a Red or Black Bet Pays 2 1:1 Winning a 1 to 8 or 19 to 36 BetPays 2 1:1

[0011] For example, if a player has wagered on the number 24 in a

straight up

bet and 24 is the winning number, then the player receives, in additionto his or her returned bet amount, 35 times his or her bet amount, for atotal payout amount of 36 times his or her bet amount.

[0012] When a betting period ends, a dealer starts the random selectionprocess. In live table roulette, the dealer typically launches a ball inthe roulette in rotation. The random selection is performed when theball positions itself in one of the notches arranged side-by-side on theinternal side of the roulette rim, each notch being associated with abetting number. The dealer distributes the payouts to the playersaccording to the payout table.

[0013] An important advantage of the roulette game is that the roulettegame is based solely on a random event wherein wins and losses made byplayers or the casino house are independent of player skill. The playersappreciate the simplicity of the game which triggers feelings ofenjoyment and relaxation.

[0014] The casino house appreciates the fact that the income percentageis constant and not influenced by player experience and skill comparedto other games such as Poker and Blackjack card games where the casinohouse's losses depend on player strategies and skills.

[0015] Another advantage of the Roulette is the various levels ofbetting risk offered: players appreciate to choose and control their ownlevel of betting risk according to their gut feeling and their wealth.The casino house appreciates that conservative players as well ashigh-rollers may be at ease to participate in a casino game that favorsan optimal table activity in terms of number of players and dedicationto the game.

[0016] A random process independent of player skill and a variability ofbetting risk levels are two advantages that have contributed to make theRoulette a very popular and appreciated table game among players andcasino management.

[0017] However, the Roulette numbers are less attractive to players thanplaying cards. The cards show colorful betting symbols in addition tonumbers such as objects:

spade

,

club

,

diamond

and

heart

and noble characters:

King

,

Queen

and

Jack

; features to which players are inclined to attribute various lucky orunlucky properties. Players prefer playing games offering card bettingsymbols. Furthermore, the income percentage cannot be changed for aroulette game without changing the game itself. For example, the casinoincome ratio for the European Roulette is 1/37, or approximately 2,70%and for the American Roulette is 2/38, or approximately 5,26%.Consequently, the casino house cannot adjust the income percentageaccording to market competition or the casino activity.

[0018] The possibility of modifying the casino income percentage withoutchanging the roulette game would be a great advantage. For example, acasino could decrease the Roulette income percentage to create anincentive to players during low casino activity periods or to createsome frenzied hours enjoyed by players. Also, a casino having regularcustomers and low or no competition such as local or governmentalcasinos, could appreciate and find advantageous for the casino house toincrease its income percentage on crowded periods.

[0019] Therefore, a need exists for an enhanced roulette game thatretains the advantages of classical roulette games, such as many bettingrisk levels on a same event, the socializing atmosphere, and the speedof the game, but overcomes classical roulette disadvantages by offeringflexible casino incomes and more attractive features to players.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0020] It has been found that to appeal and sustain the interest ofplayers in new casino games, the games have to possess some elementsfamiliar to the players, in order not to frighten them, and, at the sametime, to offer new interesting features, in order to provide a newsource of excitement and enjoyment for the player and interest forcasinos.

[0021] The present invention provides a method and system for playing anenhanced roulette casino game by combining the advantages of classicalEuropean and American Roulette with new features that solve somedisadvantages of classical roulette games.

[0022] More precisely, the present invention provides an enhancedroulette game based on a random event wherein player and casino wins orlosses are independent of player skill and offers a variability of risklevels to players with new advantages such as attractive betting symbolsand flexible casino house income percentages.

[0023] The present invention further provides a method and system forplaying an enhanced casino game, which offers to players familiar, andwell known appreciated Roulette betting options wherein odds may bedifferent without it being apparent to players and without changing thestyle of the game.

[0024] The present invention also provides a method and system forplaying a casino game that offers new and additional betting options.

[0025] According to one aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a method of playing a casino table game comprising: identifyingcards from a deck of playing cards as betting cards; recording a betfrom a player identifying a number (n) of the betting cards; drawing atrandom from the deck of playing cards a payout-determining card;calculating a payout for the player of 48/n when the payout-determiningcard matches one of the betting cards identified, and otherwise a payoutof zero when the payout-determining card does not match any of bettingcards identified.

[0026] According to another aspect, a method of playing a casino cardgame comprising: identifying cards from a deck of playing cards asbetting cards; identifying a remainder card from the deck of playingcards as outside card; recording a bet from a player identifying anumber (n) of the betting cards; drawing at random from the deck ofplaying cards a payout-determining card; calculating a payout for theplayer of 48/n when the payout-determining card matches one of thebetting cards identified, and otherwise a payout of zero when thepayout-determining card does not match any betting cards identified.

[0027] A player has an opportunity to bet on the outcome of a randomcard selection from a deck of playing cards. A player selects a numberof cards among cards identified as betting cards and bets on theoccurrence of one of the number of cards will be randomly selected fromthe deck. The selected number of cards are identified by one or manyfollowing card features: rank, color, suit, parity, rank range or by ageometrical characteristic as column, block, circle etc. The playerdecides which level of betting risk he or she wants to take on theoutcome of the random event in selecting a number of cards and indeciding his or her betting amount. A random card selection from a deckof playing cards is performed.

[0028] If there is a match between at least one card identified by thebet made by the player, his or her bet is a winning bet. A payout iscredited to the player accordingly to a payout chart.

[0029] The method offers a new possible spectrum of payout odds asfollows: 48 (47:1); 24 (23:1); 16 (15:1); 12 (11:1); 8 (7:1); 6 (5:1); 4(3:1); 3 (2:1); 2 (1:1); compared to the payout odds of European orAmerican roulette games: 36 (35:1); 18 (17:1); 12 (11:1); 9 (8:1); 6(5:1); 4 (3:1); 2 (1:1).

[0030] The use of playing cards, adding new betting options and variouscolorful features, compared to betting options of classical roulettegames, is attractive to players.

[0031] In one embodiment, a play board is provided with a game surfaceand betting locations. The game surface presents areas corresponding tocards of a playing deck and arranged in a geometric pattern. Geometricalcharacteristics formed by playing card areas of the game surface, suchas: column, row, square, block, circle are used for identifying a numberof playing cards. Each playing card area provides a betting locationaccepting a marker, token or chip and permitting players to make a wageron corresponding playing cards. The geometrical characteristic areaaccepts a marker and permits players to wager on a number of playingcards. A player makes a wager in placing markers, tokens or chips on anarea identifying a card or a geometrical characteristic area. A randomdrawing from a deck of playing cards selects a payout-determining card.A principal game payout is calculated when the payout-determining cardmatches one betting card identified and, otherwise, a payout of zero isdetermined when the payout-determining card does not match any ofbetting cards identified. The player is credited with the payout.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, a system is providedcomprising: an accepting means for accepting a bet identifying a number(n) of cards of a deck of playing cards; a random card selector forselecting at random at least one card of the deck; that is in comparingthe identified number (n) cards to at least one the random selectedcard, the bet is a winning bet if there is a match between at least onecard of the number (n) cards and one card of the randomly selected card.

[0033] For example, in one embodiment, a play board provides a gamesurface with 52 areas representing 52 playing cards. Forty-eight (48)playing card areas representing the forty-eight playing cards identifiedas betting cards are arranged in a rectangular configuration countingfour (4) columns and twelve (12) rows. In the present embodiment,players enjoy familiar betting options similar to that of the Roulette,such as:

straight up

,

split

,

street

,

column

,

block

with new betting features such as: popular and colorful playing cardsand a new spectrum of payout odds.

[0034] For example, in European or American roulette games, the spectrumof payout odds is: 36 (35:1); 18 (17:1); 12 (11:1); 9 (8:1); 6 (5:1); 4(3:1); 2 (1:1). According to the present invention, the method offersfor the same betting options and a new possible spectrum of payout oddsas follows: 48 (47:1); 24 (23:1); 16 (15:1); 12 (11:1); 8 (7:1); 6(5:1); 4 (3:1); 3 (2:1); 2(1:1).

[0035] If a player has wagered on two cards with a

split

betting option and one of the two cards is a winning card i.e. matchesthe randomly selected determining-payout card, then the player iscredited 23 times his or her wagered amount in

split

mode, instead of 17 times like in the European or American roulettegames, in addition to keeping his or her wagered amount for a totalpayout amount of 24 times his or her wagered amount.

[0036] The invention is appealing to players because of the familiarroulette betting options with a different spectrum of odds.

[0037] In addition, in one embodiment, the remaining cards, notidentified as betting cards, are identified as

outside

cards.

[0038] Preferably, at least one of the

outside cards

is an

all bets lose

card, wherein all bets from the players are lost when the

all bets lose

card is drawn.

[0039] Preferably, at least one card of the outside cards is a

free turn

card, wherein the bets are returned to the players when

free turn

card is drawn.

[0040] A casino house determines the income percentage per game bymodifying from turn to turn or setting the selection of

all bets lose

card and

free turn

card. The selections of zero, one, two, three or four cards as

all bets lose

cards, among a deck of 52 playing cards, wherein 48 cards as identifiedas betting cards, determines five different casino house income ratios.

[0041] For example, a casino takes a deck of playing cards having 52playing cards, identifies 48 cards as betting cards and the fourremaining cards as outside cards. The casino chooses one among the four

outside

cards as an

all bets lose

card and the three others are identified as

free turn

cards; providing a casino house income ratio of 1/49 or approximately of2%. The casino selects, for another game two cards of the four outsidecards as

all bets lose

cards and the remaining two of the outside cards as

free turn

cards, providing a casino house income ratio of 2/50 or approximately4%.

[0042] Preferably, at least one of the betting cards is an

all outside bets lose

card wherein a payout is calculated for players that have made a bet onthe

all outside bets lose

card, when the card is drawn. The payout amount can be calculated as afunction of the total wagering amount made by the player on the gameand/or the wagering amount solely made on the

all outside bets lose

card.

[0043] A betting option on an

all outside bets lose

card is attractive to players since it provides them with a feeling ofcontrol on the random event, giving players an additional manner fordetermining their betting risk on their total betting amount.

[0044] A betting option on an

all outside bets lose

card represents for a casino an interesting feature in potentiallyincreasing casino house incomes by attracting players to wager largeamounts because of the opportunity of securing their betting amounts.

[0045] Preferably, a player has the possibility to make a betidentifying a number s of betting cards as

bet securing

cards.

[0046] A

bet securing

card is a betting card on which a player can make a bet identifying thebetting card as a

bet securing

card. The

bet securing

card identified as

bet securing

card by a bet made by the player on the betting card, allows the playerto lower the original casino house income ratio for his or her betidentifying a number n of the betting cards. When the

bet securing

card identified by a bet made by a player matches the drawnpayout-determining card, all bets made by the player identifying anumber n of betting cards, excepted the bet identifying a

bet securing

card made by the same player on the game, are returned to the playergiving the player the opportunity to take advantage of a lower casinohouse income ratio for his or her bet amounts identifying a number n ofbetting cards.

[0047] The possibility of identifying a

bet securing

card allows players to get a lower casino house income ratio for betsidentifying a number n of betting cards above a particular bettingamount, i.e. a turning-point total betting amount, and gives the casinoan interesting feature to potentially increase casino house income whichis also applicable to classical roulette games.

[0048] A

bet securing

option is an incentive allowing players to take advantage of a lowercasino house income ratio for their total betting amounts, andparticularly, it is an incentive for high-rollers to bet larger amounts.For high-rollers, a

bet securing

option wager represents a small additional amount compared to typicalhigh-roller wagered amounts. The casino house retains a minimal incomeratio until the turning-point betting amount is reached and at the sametime, favors betting larger amounts. Consequently, the casino houseincome is potentially increased for each game of the present method ofplaying an enhanced casino roulette game which represents a realadvantage for casino owners.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with regard to the followingdescription and accompanying drawings wherein:

[0050]FIG. 1A is a schematic representation of a prior art classicalAmerican roulette game surface and FIG. 1B is an auxiliary game surfacelayout;

[0051]FIG. 2 is a schematic view and representation of the system of thepresent invention;

[0052]FIG. 3 is a flow chart representing the method of a preferredembodiment of the present invention;

[0053]FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of the game surface of thepresent invention;

[0054]FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the apparatus of the presentinvention;

[0055]FIGS. 6A and 6B are combined to form a flow chart representing thesteps and one method of playing at the game of the present inventionwithout randomly selected auxiliary prize;

[0056]FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the apparatus for granting a randomlyselected auxiliary prize; and

[0057]FIG. 8 is a flow chart representing the steps and one method ofplaying at the game of the present invention with randomly selectedauxiliary prize.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0058] Referring to FIG. 1A, which is a representation of the bettinglayout of a classical American roulette game and FIG. 1B which is anauxiliary betting layout, the thirty-six (36) squares are shown, eachone being associated to a number 1 to 36, laid out in twelve (12)stacked rows, of three (3) adjacent squares each. There are also twospecial areas, representing a zero

0

28 and a double zero

00

26 which represent betting squares for

all outside bets lose

events. Note that in the European roulette game, the layout is the sameexcept that there is no double zero

00

area.

[0059] A player chooses his or her betting risk level by positioningmarkers, chips or tokens on areas corresponding to the betting optionstypically offered by classical roulette games. Examples of such bets areillustrated in FIG. 1A, wherein the dark circles are tokens shown arethe

straight up

24,

splits

22,

line

20,

square

18,

street

16,

dozen

30,

column

10,12 or 14,

odd

or

even

, 2 or 8,

black

or

red

4 or 6, and

lows

or

highs

32 or 34.

[0060]FIG. 1B, is an auxiliary roulette layout. Some auxiliary roulettegames associated with a principal roulette game offer players theopportunity to make an additional or a side bet by selecting one of theconventional numbers of the roulette game, i.e. 1-36, 0 or 00 withoutregards to parity or color. Shown are the thirty-six (36) squares laidout in twelve (12) stacked rows, each row of three (3) adjacent squares,each one associated with a particular number from 1 to 36 and twoadditional squares labeled

0

and

00

. A player indicates his or her additional or side bet option by placingmarkers, chips or tokens on one of the conventional numbers i.e. 1 to36, 0 and 00 of the roulette auxiliary game surface layout. As anexample, a wager 36 has been put on number 20.

[0061] How to play the present enhanced roulette game and use the systemmay be understood by referring to FIG. 2 of the drawings, which shows alive table casino game played by a dealer 38 and a plurality of players40 surrounding a casino table 42. The betting game surface layout 44 isplaced in an efficient and aesthetic manner allowing a dealer andplayers to properly accomplish their movements in an easy and efficientmanner. A random selector 46 randomly selects a card and a playerposition. In the present embodiment, the random card and player positionselector 46 is an electronic apparatus, known in the art, comprising arandom selector controller 48, which manages electronic commands. Arandom card and player position selector control 50 connected to therandom card and player position selector controller 48 is provided witha button, or a switch, which activates a random card and player positionselection and a displaying of the selected card on the screen 52 and theselected player position on the selected screen among screens 54 of thedisplay 56.

[0062] A random prize selector 58 is also provided with the presentinvention and can be used, optionally, with some auxiliary games. In thepresent embodiment, the random prize selector 58 is an electronicapparatus known in the art, comprising a random prize selectorcontroller 60, which manages various electric signals.

[0063] A random prize selector control 62, in communication with therandom prize selector controller 60, is provided with a button or switchthat activates a random prize selection and a displaying of the prize onthe display 63. The display 63 provides two screens 65, 67 fordisplaying data and various visual animations such as prize amounts, andother winning symbols, such as a happy face. Furthermore, visualcommunication means, such as a light 69, are provided for accompanyingand indicating the various steps such as the prize generation process,the prize selection process and the prize granting and communicatingprocesses.

[0064] Furthermore, a dealer console 64 connected to the random card andplayer position selection controller 48 and to the random prizeselection controller 60 is provided with the present invention in orderto input commands required before the selection processes, such as theactivation of the random card and player position selector control 50and the random prize selector control 60.

[0065] It will be easily understood that the random selector and thedisplay apparatus can be integrated, or not, in the same apparatus.

[0066] It will also be understood that each random selector, such as therandom card selector, the random player position selector, and therandom prize selector, can be considered as individual and separateapparatuses that can be integrated, or not, in one or more apparatuses.

[0067] It will also be understood that the random card selector, cantake many embodiments. For example, it can be a mechanical apparatussuch as a roulette wheel with 52 notches, wherein inside each notch isshown a card among the 52 playing cards of a deck; an electromechanicalcard shuffler capable of picking up a card randomly, or any otheranalogous apparatus can also be used. In the present embodiment, therandom generator is an electronic apparatus known in the art. In thepreferred embodiment, the random card selector is an electronic randomgenerator due to the reliability and speed needed for the occurringrandom event.

[0068] In addition to the random card selector, the present inventionalso provides a random player selector. Again, the player positionselector apparatus can take various embodiments, such as a dice-prismwith eight faces, each face representing a particular player positionwith a number between 1 and 8 or one of the 8 chip colors: a ballassociated with a wheel of a minimum of eight pockets or notches, eachone representing a number from 1 to 8 and/or a chip color. In thepresent embodiment, the random player selector is an electronic randomselector. The reason is the reliability and the speed necessary for therandom process. In the present embodiment, there is a maximum of 8players at each table.

[0069] It will be furthermore understood that various combinations ofswitches and buttons are possible for reaching the same objective. Thenumber and the activation sequence of the buttons or switches and theirassociation to the dealer and/or the random selector control depend onvarious considerations, such as the speed of the game, and the interestof the player. For example, for each random selection of a card or aplayer position, a particular button or switch can be provided for eachof the following steps: a first switch or button for starting a randomgeneration process; a second switch or button for stopping the randomgeneration process, and executing a random selection; a third switch orbutton for displaying the selected item on the screen, and anotherswitch or button for resetting the random selector and display.

[0070] As it is understood, all these functions can be integrated in oneor more operations, started by one or more switches.

[0071] Referring now to FIG. 3, shown is a flow chart representing apreferred embodiment of the method of the present invention. The term

betting

card refers to a designated card that can be drawn randomly from a deckof playing cards and on which a player can make a wager on theoccurrence of the

betting

card as a randomly drawn payout-determining card from the deck ofplaying cards.

[0072] The method comprises a step of Identifying cards from a deck ofplaying cards as betting cards 70. Preferably 48 cards are identified asbetting cards.

[0073] The playing cards possess various betting symbols such as numbersand colors allowing Roulette betting options such as

highs

or

lows

,

even

or

odd

,

black

or

red

to be offered to players.

[0074] In addition to numbers, various and different betting symbolssuch as

faces

King

,

Queen

,

Jack

) and

objects

(

spade

,

heart

,

diamond

and

club

. The playing card features are more attractive to players because, incard games, players intensely manipulate playing cards and are moreinclined to associate lucky properties to playing card symbols.

[0075] Playing card decks usually have 52 or 54 cards comprising 13cards as follows: Ace, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen andKing for each of the four suits, usually

heart

,

club

,

spade

and

diamond

and, for the 54 playing card decks, two Jokers are added. The use of awell known complete deck of playing cards is attractive and makesplayers at ease with using familiar symbols.

[0076] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the deck has52 cards. But, a skilled person in the field will appreciate the keyfeatures of the present method described, will understand, and will beable to apply the present method to a deck of cards having a lesser or agreater number of cards.

[0077] In the preferred embodiment, the choice of a bet identifying anumber of betting cards among at least a minimal number of 48 bettingcards provides a set of various risk levels depending of the number (n)of cards, such as: 24, 16, 12, 8, 6, 4, 3, 2, 1 allowing one tocalculate a payout of 48/n wherein the payout amount is an integer. Forexample, a player selects one card with a

straight up

bet among the 48 betting cards and another player wagers on two numbersat the same time with a (split

bet. A payout of 48/1 (47:1) is calculated for the player who hasidentified a card with his or her

straight up

bet if the

straight up

wagered card matches the randomly drawn determining-payout card and apayout of 48/2=24 (23:1) is calculated for a player when one of the twocards identified by his or her

split

bet matches the randomly selected card. An integer payout amount iscalculated.

[0078] The method of the present invention virtually provides 47 levelsof betting risk i.e. 1 to 47 betting cards identified by a single bet.For example, if 13 betting cards have been identified in a single betand the randomly selected payout-determining card matches one card amongthose 13 identified betting cards, the payout multiplication factor willbe 48/13 or approximately 3.6923, a non-integer for which a payoutamount is more difficult, long and complex to calculate for anindividual. Of course, if an electronic apparatus is used to calculatethe corresponding payout amount, it is easier, faster and more accurate.If the present enhanced roulette game is played on an electronicapparatus or device, such as a video game or slot machine, non-integerpayout multiplication factors do not necessarily create a problem andmay still provides advantages to players and casinos.

[0079] However, on a live table game, non-integer layout multiplicationfactors are unsuitable. The time for calculating a layout by the dealer,even if he or she has an electronic calculator, would most likely beunacceptable and would result in more mistakes. The player could havemore difficulties to choose his or her betting risk and would take moretime to wager in reason of large number of various betting risks.

[0080] Furthermore, betting risks offered in such a large number ofchoices could require additional features and/or conventions to record abet from a player identifying a number between 1 and 47 among bettingcards and could overload processes or rules of the game. In a context oflive casino table game, a large set of betting risk levels, i.e. anumber of 1 to 47 betting cards identified by a single bet from aplayer, could put a disadvantage to rapidity and simplicity of thepresent enhanced roulette game in a live casino environment.

[0081] The payout table preferably provides various payouts thatrepresent various integer multiplication factors that allows tocalculate the payout rapidly and easily by players and dealers. Arestricted number of payout integer multiplication factors such as 48(1:47), 24 (1:23), 16 (1:15); 12 (1:11), 8 (1:7), 6 (1:5), 4 (1:3), 3(1:2), 2 (1:1) from which a payout amount to players is easilycalculated by a dealer, provides rapidity for the game and accuracy forcredit transactions which favor enhanced Roulette table profitability.

[0082] For a conventional roulette game, 8 levels of betting risk on therandom selection of number from 1 to 36 is provided, such as 36 (1:35);18 (1:17); 12 (1:11); 9 (1:8); 6 (1:5); 4 (1:3); 3 (1:2); 2 (1:1),corresponding to various integer dividing factors of the number 36.According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, thespectrum of betting risk has 9 different betting risk levels, such as:48 (1:47); 24 (1:23); 16 (1:15); 12 (1:11); 8 (1:7); 6 (1:5); 4 (1:3); 3(1:2); 2 (1:1), corresponding to various integer dividing factors of thenumber 48.

[0083] According to the present invention, offering a larger spectrum ofrisk levels attracts the players because of the larger flexibility andcontrol in the determination of the betting risk on the random event.Furthermore, offering different betting risks compared with the bettingrisks offered in classical roulette games, provides an appeal to playersin the game of the present invention because it renews the bettingstrategies of the roulette game.

[0084] Referring back to FIG. 3, the method comprises the step ofidentifying remainder cards from the deck of playing cards as outsidecards 72.

[0085] The choice of cards as outside cards, allows to use the totalityof cards of the playing deck, and at the same time, to obtain a suitableminimum multifactorial number such as 48 for the number of bettingcards. The number of remainder cards depends on the number of cards ofthe playing deck used.

[0086] As previously noted, the number of remainder cards can beconsiderable if a convenient number of extra cards are added to a deckof 52 playing cards.

[0087] The number of outside cards can vary depending of the number ofcards of the playing deck; the objective being to obtain at least anumber of 48 betting cards. In the present preferred embodiment, thenumber of outside cards is 4 or 6 depending of the number of cardsavailable in the deck of playing cards: 52 or 54 cards (with twojokers).

[0088] When a bet from a player identifies all of the betting cards in asame suit, it would be preferable that a number (n) of the betting cardsare identified such that the payout multiplication factor calculated bean integer amount. In a preferred embodiment, a card from each suit isselected as an outside card such that when a bet from a playeridentifies all betting cards in a same suit, a number n=12 of thebetting cards is identified and a payout is calculated such that 48/n isan integer.

[0089] Preferably, the outside cards are four cards of odd face value sothat when a bet from a player identifies all of the betting cards of asame parity

odd

or

even

, a number of 24 of the betting cards are identified and a payout can becalculated such as 48/n is an integer.

[0090] Preferably, the outside cards are four cards of a same face value7 so that when a bet from a player identifies all of the betting cardsin a same range of face values, in one of the two ranges of face valuelower or higher than face value 7, a number of n=24 of the bettingcards, all of the betting cards in a same range of values is identifiedand a payout is calculated such as 48/n is an integer.

[0091] Therefore, the card which is preferably removed from each suit ofa standard deck of cards is preferably the card with a face value of 7.

[0092] The classical European and American roulette games are commonlycharacterized by the same spectrum of betting options with thecorresponding payout chart table shown in table 2. TABLE 2 Spectrum ofbetting options and payout table. Payout For Winning Bets AmountReceived By Betting Options Player Probability <<Straight up>> 36 (35:1)<<Split>> 18 (17:1) <<Line>> 12 (11:1) <<Square>> 9 (8:1)  <<Street>> 6(5:1)  <<12 number Column>> 3 (2:1)  <<12 number block>> 3 (2:1) <<Odd>> or <<Even>> 2 (1:1)  <<Lows>> or <<Highs>> 2 (1:1)  <<Red>> or<<Black>> 2 (1:1) 

[0093] Numbers without parentheses represent total amounts received bythe player. The amount corresponds to 36/n and comprises the bet amountrefund to the player plus the bet amount from the player times thewinning odds of the bet expressed in parentheses. For example, for awinning

straight up

bet, a payout of 36/1=36 is calculated. Consequently, the playerreceives an amount that equals the payout multiplication factor, i.e.36, times his or her betting amount. The amount corresponds to the sumof the bet amount refund to the player and the calculated payout-winningamount. For the present example, the total amount paid to the player isthe bet amount wagered by the player plus 35 (35:1) times the player betamount for a total amount received by the player for his or her winning

straight up

bet of 36 times his or her wagered amount.

[0094] The European or American Roulette games offer players the sametype of betting options with the same payout chart table, with the samerules and betting options.

[0095] The difference between the European Roulette casino house incomeratio of 1/37 or approximately 2.71% and the American Roulette casinohouse income ratio of 2/38 or approximately 5.26% comes essentially fromthe number of

all outside bets lose

betting numbers. There is a single betting number

0

for the European Roulette game and two

all side bets lose

numbers,

0

and

00

for the American Roulette game.

[0096] Therefore, by modifying only the number of

all outside bets lose

numbers, the present invention maintains the essential features of theRoulette game. The Roulette game is characterized by offering aplurality of betting risks to players and a coherent layout chart tablein the sense that the difference between two betting risk levels isrespected in the payout chart table.

[0097] For example, if a betting option has two times less chances thanan other type of betting option to be a winning bet, for examplecomparing a

split

bet with a

straight up

bet, the difference between betting risk levels is respected andreflected in the payout chart table so that a payout for a

split

winning bet is 18 (17:1) compared to 36 (35:1) for a

straight up

winning bet.

[0098] As it can be appreciated, for the Roulette game, the casino houseincome percentage can be changed by decreasing or increasing the numberof

all outside bets lose

betting options.

[0099] Unfortunately, modifying the casino house income ratio for one oranother of the classical European and American roulette games by varyingthe number of

all outside bets lose

betting options is difficult to put in practice.

[0100] An important constraint is that a modification to the casinohouse income percentage by modifying the number of

all outside bets lose

options implies adding an

all outside bets lose

betting symbol, an uncommon betting symbol, therefore breaking thecomforting and familiar suit of classical Roulette betting symbols.

[0101] The deletion of an

all outside bets lose

betting symbol is not considered because deleting an

all outside bets lose

option in the American Roulette game corresponds to making a EuropeanRoulette game. Deleting an

all outside bets lose

option in an European roulette game defines a casino house income ratioof zero for

outside bet

options such as:

red

or

black

, high

or

low

,

odd

or

even

. Consequently, it provides an incoherent payout chart table.

[0102] Adding an

all outside bets lose

betting symbol defines a real lower income ratio for players.Consequently, adding an

all outside bets lose

betting symbol has the non-negligible risk to be more repulsive thanattractive to players, a result unsuitable for casino management and thegaming industry.

[0103] Another important constraint is that each time an

all outside bets lose

betting option is added, the roulette wheel apparatus and the gamesurface have to be changed. The physical re-design and modifications tothe apparatus and surface represent important costs and are incompatiblewith a rapid, flexible and cheap method to promptly and easily adjustthe casino house income ratio in response to periods of variousintensities of casino roulette game activity.

[0104] In the preferred embodiment, for a 52 playing card deck, the fourchosen cards as

outside

or

all outside bets lose

cards are the four 7's, and for a 54 playing card deck, the six cardschosen, as outside or

all outside bets lose

cards are the four 7's and the two jokers.

[0105] The choice of the 7's, and Jokers from a deck of 54 playingcards, as

outside

or

all outside bets lose

cards permits to split the remaining 48 betting cards into two groups ofequal number of betting cards; a low (i.e. Ace to 6) and an high (8 toKing) card rank categories. Furthermore, the seven's and jokerstypically represent

special cards

associated with some lucky or special properties in a casino game.

[0106] Referring back to FIG. 3, the method comprises the step ofidentifying none, one or some of the outside cards as

free turn

cards 74.

[0107] An outside card identified as a

free turn

card means that when the card identified as a

free turn

card is randomly drawn from a deck of playing cards as thepayout-determining card, all bets are returned to players.

[0108] The method further comprises the step of identifying none, one orsome of outside cards as

all bets lose

cards 76.

[0109] An outside card identified as an

all bets lose

card means that when an

outside

card as an

all bets lose

card is randomly drawn from a deck of playing cards, as thepayout-determining card, all bets by all players are lost and are takenby the casino house.

[0110] Preferably, at least one card of the outside cards is identifiedas an

all bets lose

card, wherein a payout of zero is calculated when the

all bets lose

card is randomly drawn.

[0111] In identifying the

free turn

and

all bets lose

cards among the outside cards, the casino determines its desired casinohouse income ratio.

[0112] For example, with a deck of 54 playing cards, from 0 to 6 cardscan be identified as

all bets lose

cards among the six cards identified as

outside

cards and the remainder cards can be identified as

free turn

cards. This will determine seven casino house ratios for an enhancedroulette casino game that uses a deck of 54 playing cards and gives apayout for a winning

straight up

bet of 48 (47:1). Table 3 illustrates seven casino house ratiosavailable. TABLE 3 Seven Casino House Ratios Number of Cards IdentifiedNumber of Cards Identified Casino as <<all bets lose>> Card as <<freeturn>> Card Income Ratio 0 6 11.11% (6/54) 1 5  9.43% (5/53) 2 4  7.69%(4/52) 3 3  5.88% (3/51) 4 2  4.00% (2/50) 5 1  2.04% (1/49) 6 0  0.00%(0/48)

[0113] It can be appreciated that switching between the seven casinoincome ratios is done by changing the number of cards identified as

all bets lose

cards and

free turn

cards among the 6 cards identified as

outside

cards.

[0114] The method further comprises the step of identifying none, one orsome of the outside cards as

all outside bets lose

cards 78.

[0115] An outside card identified as an

all outside bets lose

card, is in fact an outside card changed into a special betting card,and an all outside bets lose

card means that when the outside card identified as

all outside bets lose

card is randomly drawn from a deck of playing cards, all bets made bythe players are lost except the wager made by a player identifyinguniquely the

all outside bets lose

card drawn. A payout amount is made to the player that has made a betidentifying uniquely a drawn

all outside bets lose

card when the

all outside bets lose

card is randomly drawn from a playing deck as the payout-determiningcard. The payout amount can be as a function of the wager amount made bythe player identifying solely the

all outside bets lose

card, or in function of the total amount wager on the game made by theplayer.

[0116] Preferably, at least one card of the

outside

cards is an

all outside bets lose

card wherein a payout is calculated for a player that has made a bet ona card, when the

all outside bets lose

card is randomly drawn and corresponds to a payout-determining card.

[0117] A betting option on an

all outside bets lose

card has some advantages.

[0118] If a payout amount calculated is the same as that of a winning

straight up

bet, for example 48 (47:1) in the preferred embodiment of the livecasino table, then the

all outside bets lose

cards permit to increase casino income ratio in the same proportion asthat of the outside card identified as

all bets lose

card but provide an added betting option for players and consequently, apotentially increased casino house income for roulette games.

[0119] For example, during a normal game of the enhanced roulette game,it is decided that, for the next game, an

outside

card identified as an

all bets lose

card will be an

all outside bets lose

card that has the same payout as a winning

straight up

bet, for example 48 (47:1).

[0120] An

all outside bets lose

card is appealing to players because it gives an additional bettingoption to establish their betting risk levels and gives the players anopportunity to secure their betting amount.

[0121] An

all outside bets lose

card is appealing to casino houses, since it ensures the same casinohouse income but potentially increases incomes by offering an additionalbetting option.

[0122] The method further comprises the step of identifying none, one,or some of betting cards as

bet securing

cards 79.

[0123] Preferably, a player has the possibility to make a bet in which anumber s of the betting cards are identified as

bet securing

cards.

[0124] A

bet securing

card is a betting card on which a player can make a bet identifying thebetting card as a

bet securing

card. The

bet securing

card identified as a

bet securing

card by a bet made by the player on the card, allows the player to lowerthe original casino house income ratio for his or her bet by identifyinga number n of betting cards. When the

bet securing

card identified by a bet made by a player matches the drawnpayout-determining card, all bets made by the player identifying anumber n of betting cards, except the bet identifying a

bet securing

card made by the player on the game, are refunded to the player, thusproviding to the player the opportunity to take advantage of selecting alower casino house income ratio for his or her bets.

[0125] For example, a game surface having 54 areas corresponding to 54playing cards and arranged in a geometric pattern is shown in FIG. 4.The two jokers are identified as

free turn

cards. Two of the four sevens cards are identified as

all outside bets lose

cards, one of the four seven cards is identified as an

all bets lose

card and the last one of the four seven cards is identified as a

free turn

card. The payout for a winning

straight up

bet is 48 (47:1). The casino house income ratio is 3/51 or approximately5,66%.

[0126] Also, in the present example, the casino house offers to playersan opportunity to identify one of the two

all outside bets lose

cards as a

bet securing

card by a wager made by the player on one of the two

all outside bets lose

cards.

[0127] A practical example is as follows: a player makes a betidentifying an

all outside bets lose

card as a

bet securing

card by positioning a marker of a minimal bet amount, for example $1.00.Identifying a betting card as a

bet securing

card is equivalent for the player of paying an amount of $1.00 forplaying the game with a lower casino house income ratio of 2/50 orapproximately of 4.00% for his or her other bets. The normal casinohouse income ratio would be 3/51 or approximately of 5.66%. A bet amountidentifying a number of n betting cards with a bet identifying a numbers of betting cards as a

bet securing

card is profitable to a player when the amount is larger then aturning-point total betting amount N determined by solving the followingequations:

M×(1−IR*)≧N×(1−IR)

M+S=N

[0128] Wherein,

[0129] S is the minimal bet amount required to identify a betting cardas a

bet securing

card.

[0130] IR is the statistical casino income ratio on a bet identifying anumber n of betting cards before identification of a betting card as a

bet securing

card;

[0131] IR* is the statistical casino income ratio on a bet identifying anumber n of betting cards after identification of a betting card as a

bet securing

card;

[0132] N is the turning-point total betting amount comprising the betamount identifying a number n of betting cards (M) and the minimal betamount required to identify a betting card as a

bet securing

card (S);

[0133] M is the bet amount identifying a number n of betting cards withIR*; (1-IR) and (1-IR*) are corresponding statistical player refundratios.

[0134] In the current example, the winning bet

straight up

pays 48 (47:1). If a player bets a total amount of $51.00 withoutidentifying a

bet securing

card, then the player refund ratio is 48/51 and the statistical playerrefund bet amount is $48.00. If a player with the same total amount of$51.00, identifies a

bet securing

card by giving to the casino house $1.00 for taking advantage of a lowercasino house income ratio of 48/50 and bets an amount of $50.00identifying a number of n betting cards, the statistical refund amountfor the player is also $48.00.

[0135] If a player bets a betting amount of $52.00, it will be morefavorable for him or her to identify a

bet securing

card with $1.00 and bet an amount of $51.00 identifying a number of nbetting cards with a statistical player refund ratio of 48/50 andstatistical player refund amount of $48.96 than to bet a total amount of$52.00 identifying a number of n betting cards with a statistical playerrefund ratio of 48/51 with a statistical player refund amount of $48.94.

[0136] On the contrary, if a player bets a betting amount of $50.00, itwill be more favorable to him or her to bet a total amount of $50.00 foridentifying a number n of betting cards with a statistical player refundratio of 48/51 and a statistical player refund amount of $47.06 ratherthan identifying a

bet securing

card with $1.00 to get a statistical player refund ratio of 48/52 andbet an amount of $49.00 identifying a number n of betting cards with astatistical player refund amount of approximately of $47.04. The totalbetting amount of $51.00 is the turning-point total betting amount fordeciding to identify or not a

bet securing

card for $1.00 to pass from a casino house income ratio of 48/51 to acasino house income ratio of 48/50 wherein a winning

straight up

bet pays 48 (47:1) i.e. gives to the player that has made a winning

straight up

bet, an amount of 47 times his or her bet amount in addition ofreturning the bet amount to the player.

[0137] Consequently, the player who has made a bet identifying a bettingcard as a

bet securing

card and has wagered a total bet amount identifying a number n and s ofbetting cards larger than the turning-point total betting amount, is inthe same situation as the player who makes a bet identifying a number nof the betting cards without any card identified as

bet securing

card in a game where there is a lower casino house income ratio. On thecontrary, a player who has made a bet identifying a betting cards as a

bet securing

card and has wagered a total bet amount identifying a number of bettingcards lower than the turning-point total betting amount, corresponds toa situation where the player plays in a higher casino house income gamewithout identifying a card as a

bet securing

card.

[0138] A

bet securing

option is an incentive to players to take advantage of a lower casinohouse income ratio for their total betting amounts, and it isparticularly attractive for high-rollers who bet larger amounts. Forhigh rollers, a

bet securing

option wagered represents a small additional amount compared to typicalhigh-roller wagered amounts. The casino house conserves a minimum incomeratio until the turning-point total betting amount is reached and at thesame time, favors betting amounts larger than the usual amounts bet byplayers and particularly, from high-rollers to bet larger amount thanthe turning-point total betting amount for taking advantage of morefavorable casino income ratio for their total betting amount.Consequently, the casino house income is potentially increased for eachgame of the present method of playing an enhanced casino roulette gamewhich represents a real advantage for casinos.

[0139] A Roulette game wherein

free turn

cards are randomly drawn could be considered equivalent to the absenceof the game and may be viewed as a waste of time for a roulette game.But, in the present invention, a

free turn

card can be associated to extra or auxiliary betting options offered bythe present enhanced Roulette. An additional bet permitting to wager ona

free turn

card, represents additional betting options and an opportunity tooptimize the Roulette income.

[0140] Referring back to FIG. 3, the method further comprises the stepof recording a bet from a player identifying a number n of betting cards80.

[0141] In preferred embodiments, players position markers, chips ortokens on corresponding betting areas on a playing game surface. It isunderstood that electronic betting devices or apparatus can replacephysical markers and game surfaces, and allow players to choose andrecord bets.

[0142] The method further comprises the step of recording a bet from aplayer identifying a number s of betting cards as

bet securing

cards 81.

[0143] In preferred embodiments, the markers and the manner used toidentify a betting card as a

bet securing

card explicitly indicates which player has identified a betting card as

bet securing

card and which card has been identified as a

bet securing

card. For example, special markers identify each player by their colors.

[0144] The method comprises the step of drawing at random from a deck ofplaying cards a payout-determining card 82.

[0145] The random card selection can be started by a player or thedealer, manually with one or more decks of playing cards counting 52 or54 cards, mechanically with a mechanical apparatus such as a roulettewheel where each notch represents a card of the deck, in anelectromechanical manner with an electromechanical apparatus such as acard shuffler or electronically with an electronic apparatus such as anelectronic random card selector.

[0146] In preferred embodiments, the random selection of apayout-determining card is performed by a random card selector becauseof the rapidity, low cost and fairness of the card selection processprovided by an electronic apparatus compared with a physical roulettewheel. But, in some circumstances, a mechanical roulette wheel is moreappropriate as a random card selector because of other aspects such asaesthetics, higher familiarity or preference of the players, dealers orcasino owners for mechanical devices.

[0147] The method then comprises the step of calculating a payout when apayout-determining card matches one of the cards identified by a betfrom a player 84.

[0148] By comparing the outcome of the random event i.e. thepayout-determining card with the cards identified by bets made byplayers, the wins and the losses of the game are resolved according tothe payout table. The predetermined payout charts determine the amountof payout.

[0149] In the preferred embodiment, the dealer compares the result ofthe outcome of the random event i.e. the payout-determining card withthe cards identified by bets from players, calculates the amount ofpayout determined by the predetermined payout chart and resolves thewins and losses of the players.

[0150] The payout amount is calculated by multiplying an amount of awinning bet made by a player by the winning bet payout multiplicationfactor of the corresponding bet. The amount paid to the playercorresponds to the payout amount added with his or her bet amount.

[0151] For example, a player made a

split bet

identifying two betting cards for example

ace

and

two

of

spade

and bet amount of $10.00. The randomly drawn payout-determining card isthe

ace of spade

. The

split

bet on the

ace

and

two

of

spade

is a winning bet. A payout amount is calculated by multiplying theamount of the winning

split

bet identified by the player i.e. $10.00 by the corresponding payoutmultiplication factor corresponding to a winning

split

bet i.e. 23, for a payout amount of $230.00 for the player. The playerreceives the total amount of $240.00.

[0152] Finally, the method comprises the step of crediting player withthe payout 86.

[0153] The amount of the payout can be credited to players in cash,tokens, chips, tickets, goods, services or any objects to which amonetary value can be attributed.

[0154] In preferred embodiments, the dealer takes from the bank andgives to the players a number of makers, chips or tokens correspondingto the calculated payout amount and returns to the player the bet amountwagered by the player.

[0155] It is to be understood that, when the game is played on anelectronic support such as a slot machine, a video game or with anelectronic player wagering console, credits can be on an electronicsupport instead of material credit support such as markers, tokens orchips.

[0156] Referring now to FIG. 4, which is a representation of the surfacegame of the present invention, the 54 squares are shown wherein 48squares are laid out in 12 staked rows of 4 adjacent squares. Eachsquare represents one of the 54 cards, which compose a 54 playing carddeck. The 6 cards identified as

outside

cards (i.e.

free turn

cards or

all bets lose

cards) or as

all outside bets lose

cards are, in a preferred embodiment, the jokers 89 and 91, the seven ofheart 88, the seven of clubs 90, the seven of diamonds 92, and the sevenof spade 94. A player can wager on betting options usually offered in aclassical roulette game:

straight up

96,

splits

98,

line

100,

square

102,

dozen

106;

column

114;

red

or

black

110

odd

or

even

116 a, 116 b and

lows

or

highs

, 112.

[0157] In addition to typical classic roulette betting options, playerscan bet on additional betting options, such as a card suit:

spade

118;

diamond

120,

club

122, or

heart

124; or a

24 card block

such as:

first 24 cards block

126 a or

second 24 cards block

126 b. Also, eight additional squares numbered 1 to 8 and representingplayer positions 108 give players an opportunity to make additionalbets. It is understood that the number of players and the numbercorresponding to the position squares can be smaller or larger.

[0158] Referring back to FIG. 1, the steps of the preferred embodimentwill be described more in detail. The dealer 38 invites players 40 tochoose among the different betting options and to wager on the gamesurface 44. The players, with the help of colored chips, wherein eachcolor is assigned to one player, select betting options and amounts byplacing, on the game surface 44 layout, a number of chips on thecorresponding card squares or on the intersection of rows and/or columnsto signify a bet on a number or a group of numbers or on squaresrepresenting a player position. The dealer 38 calls for the end of thebetting period. Referring now to FIG. 5, the dealer enters the gamestarting operation data into the dealer console 64. The dealer console64 sends a game-starting signal to the random card and player positionselector controller 48. The random selector controller, sends anactivation signal, and activates the card and player position randomselector control 50. The dealer 38, or a designated player 40, startsthe position and card random selection process via a random card andplayer position selector control 50 which is connected to the randomcard and player position selector 46. The randomly selected card andposition data are sent to the display 56 that displays the randomlychosen payout-determining card and player position. In comparing thefinal outcome of a game, the randomly selected card, the randomlyselected player position displayed by the display 56, and the bettingoptions chosen by players, the dealer resolves the wins and lossesaccording to the payout charts.

[0159]FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, are joined to form a flow chart, whichrepresents the steps of a method of playing the game of the presentinvention without randomly selected auxiliary prizes. The dealer andplayers first prepare for playing the game 128. The step may includeclearing the table of wagers, tokens, markers or chips from previousgames and letting players take their position for participating in a newgame. The dealer calls players to participate in a new game; which mayinclude one or both of a principal and an auxiliary game 130. Playersinterested in playing indicate their willingness and betting choices byplacing markers, chips or tokens on card areas or on intersections ofrows and/or columns.

[0160] In this preferred embodiment, the auxiliary game is abet on theplayer position that will be chosen by the random selector. It will beunderstood that other auxiliary games could be played.

[0161] According to the present method, players may decide toparticipate in principal and auxiliary games independently or incombination. A player that decides to participate in the principal game132, indicates his or her participation by positioning principal bettingselections 134 with the help of chips, markers or tokens, on the gamesurface layout 44.

[0162] A player who decides to participate in an auxiliary game 136places his or her auxiliary betting selections 138 by making anauxiliary bet on at least one of eight (8) additional areas numberedfrom 1 to 8 108 each one representing a player position.

[0163] After allowing the to players to bet on the principal andauxiliary games, the dealer calls for the end of the betting period 140.

[0164] A new game begins 142. The dealer selects an individual who willstart the random card and player position selection process 144. Adesignated individual, the dealer or one of players activates a signalfor starting a random card and position selection process 146. Theactivation operation and the signal sent, take various forms dependingon apparatus used as random selectors.

[0165] For example, when the selection apparatus is a mechanical wheel,the activation operation consists in spinning the wheel and the signalis the ball launched into the spinning wheel. In the case of anelectromechanical shuffler or an electronic random card selector, theactivation operation is to begin the random generation process, and theactivation signal is an electric signal started in activating a switchor button. The switch can be a footswitch, an electromechanical leverswitch, a wired electric switch, an unwired electromagnetic switch, etc.

[0166] In the present embodiment, the card and player position randomselector control 50 is an electromagnetic wired switch connected to therandom card selector, and random player position selector 46, so that,in sending the random activation signal, the two processes take place atsame time.

[0167] In the present embodiment, the switch takes the form of a slapbutton. When pressed, it sends a signal to the random card and randomplayer position selector 46, for executing a random card and playerposition selection.

[0168] During a random selection process, the display 56 can displaymultiple changing cards and player positions accompanied with somesounds to enhance the excitement among players.

[0169] As soon as a card and a player position have been randomlyselected 148 by the random card and player position selector 46, theselected card and player position are immediately displayed 150 on oneor a plurality of screens 54, 52 of the display 56 for enabling dealerand players to see the random outcome events.

[0170] By comparing and matching the randomly selected card and playerprincipal betting selections 152 indicated on the game surface layout 8,the dealer determines wins and losses according to the principal gamepayout chart 154.

[0171] For illustration purposes, two payout charts among a plurality ofpossible payout charts are provided herein: TABLE 4 is used preferablyif the principal game uses exclusively a single (free turn

card (or

happy card

) such as the seven of heart. TABLE 5 is preferably used if theprincipal game uses two

free turn

cards (or

happy cards

), such as the seven of heart and the seven of spade. TABLE 4 PrincipalGame Payout Chart Seven of heart (7♡) Free Turn Seven of club (7

) or seven of spade (7

) or All Outside Bets Lose seven of diamond (7♦) 1 Straight Card Betpays 48 (47 to 1) 2 Split Cards Bet pays 24 (23 to 1) 4 Line Cards Betpays 12 (11 to 1) 4 Corner Cards Bet pays 12 (11 to 1) 8 Line Cards Betpays  6 (5 to 1) 12 Block Cards Bet pays  4 (3 to 1) 24 Block Cards Betpays  2 (1 to 1) 12 Column Cards Bet pays  4 (3 to 1) Kind Bet (i.e.

,

,♡,♦) pays  4 (3 to 1) Red and Black Bet pays Even Money Odd (i.e. A, 3,5, 9, J, K) Bet or Even (i.e. 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, Q) Bet pays Even MoneyHigh (i.e. 8, 9, 10, J, Q, K) Bet or Low (i.e. A, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) Betpays Even Money

[0172] TABLE 5 Principal Game Payout Chart Seven of heart (7♡) or sevenof spade (7

): Free turn Seven of club (7

) or seven of diamond (7♦): All outside bets lose 1 Straight Card Betpays: 48 (47 to 1) 2 Split Cards Bet pays: 24 (23 to 1) 4 Line Cards Betpays: 12 (11 to 1) 4 Corner Cards Bet pays: 12 (11 to 1) 8 Line CardsBet pays:  6 (5 to 1) 12 Block Cards Bet pays:  4 (3 to 1) 24 BlockCards Bet pays:  2 (1 to 1) 12 Column Cards Bet pays:  4 (3 to 1) KindBet (i.e.

,

,♡, ♦) pays:  4 (3 to 1) Red and Black Bet pays: Even money Odd (i.e. A,3, 5, 9, J, K) Bet or Even (i.e. 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, Q) Bet pays: Even MoneyHigh (i.e. 8, 9, 10, J, Q, K) Bet or Low (i.e. A, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) Betpays: Even Money

[0173] In addition, by comparing and matching the randomly selectedplayer position and card displayed with the player auxiliary bettingselections 156, the dealer determines wins and losses using theauxiliary payout chart 158.

[0174] For illustration purposes, two possible auxiliary payout chartsamong many are presented. TABLE 6 is preferably used if, in theprincipal game, a single

free turn

card (or

happy card

) is used, such as the seven of heart. TABLE 7 is preferably used,applies if two (2)

free turn

cards (or

happy cards

) are used in the principal casino game, such as the seven of heart andthe seven of spade. TABLE 6 Auxiliary Payout Chart Seven of heart (7♡)and Player Position Bet pays 100 (99 to 1) Seven of heart (7♡) Card Betpays  25 (24 to 1) Player Position Bet Only pays  2 (1 to 1)

[0175] TABLE 7 Auxiliary Payout Chart Seven of heart (7♡) or seven ofspade 30 (29 to 1) (7

) and Player Position Bet pays Seven of heart (7♡) or seven of spade 15(14 to 1) (7

) without Player position bet pays Player Position Bet Only pays  2 (1to 1)

[0176] Then, when the dealer has determined the wins and losses, thegame ends 160. Also, in conjunction with the randomly selected playerposition and card, another random feature, such as a random auxiliaryprize selection can also be added.

[0177] One way to include an auxiliary randomly selected prize is byoffering the opportunity, upon the occurrence of a predetermined randomevent in the auxiliary game, to start a random prize selection. Theopportunity of winning an auxiliary randomly selected prize allows togive larger payouts.

[0178] By comparing the player auxiliary betting option with the cardand player position randomly selected, a matching between apredetermined event in the principal game, such as the occurrence of a

free turn

card (or

happy card

) and a player position, and a player auxiliary betting options, give tothe player the eligibility to win a randomly selected auxiliary prize.

[0179] Referring now to FIG. 7 which is a block diagram of the apparatusfor granting a randomly selected auxiliary prize according to thepresent invention and FIG. 8 which is a flow chart representing thesteps of a method of playing the game of the present invention with arandomly selected auxiliary prize.

[0180] From the comparison of the player auxiliary betting option dataand the card and player position selected in the principal game 126, thedealer 38 can determine if none, one or some player auxiliary bettingoptions correspond to predetermined occurring events in the auxiliarygame 162 which give opportunities of randomly selecting an auxiliaryprize.

[0181] If a match happens between the predetermined auxiliary event andone or more of the player auxiliary betting options, then the dealer 8records the auxiliary player position and the auxiliary bet amountcorresponding to each the corresponding player 164, into the dealerconsole 64. Then, the auxiliary bet data and player position data aretransmitted to the random prize selector controller 60 at the same time,the random prize selector controller 60 sends an activation random prizeselection control signal and triggers the random prize selector control62. Upon this trigger set in function, an indication is produced forcommunicating the actual activation of the random prize selector control62. In the present embodiment, the indication is a visual indicationmeans, such as a light 69. It is understood that the indication can takeother embodiments and can be associated with audible, visual or sensingeffects.

[0182] Upon the designation of the dealer, the auxiliary winningidentified player 166 activates the random prize selection process 22via the selector random prize selector control 12. The random prizeselected 168 is displayed after a short moment on the random prizedisplay 63. According to the randomly selected auxiliary prize displayed170, the dealer grants the randomly selected prize 172 and resolves thewins and losses along the auxiliary paying chart 158. Then the game ends160.

[0183] In a preferred embodiment, by comparing matches between apredetermined auxiliary event and a randomly selected player position,selected card and the auxiliary bets, the dealer resolves wins andlosses along the auxiliary payout chart and determines if there is anywinning auxiliary players. Then, to determine an auxiliary random prize,the dealer enters, on the dealer console 10, the auxiliary bet amount ofthe winning auxiliary player. The dealer invites the winning auxiliaryplayer, if any, to slap on the second slap button 22. By punching thebutton 22, a random selection process of the winning prize in theauxiliary game is started. On the random prize display, 63, a randomselected prize is displayed on one of screens 65 or 67. On the otherscreen, for example on screen 65, the auxiliary bet made by the winningauxiliary player, and entered on the console by the dealer, isdisplayed. A short period after, the total prize corresponding to themultiplication of the random selected prize by the correspondingauxiliary bet, is displayed on the first screen, 67. In addition, anoptional happy face or other symbol can randomly appear on the secondscreen, 65.

[0184] If a happy face appears on a second screen, a special prize isawarded to the winning auxiliary player in addition of the total prizedisplayed. The bonus prize can take many embodiments: a certain numberof special chips, tokens or markers that constitute an entry in a futuregrand tournament between many casinos, an entry ticket for a specialgaming event or any types of prizes such as a car, a trip or a monetaryamount.

[0185] As it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, themethod and system of the present invention could be totally or partiallyconnected to any other electronic apparatus, device or system enablingthe creation of the enhanced principal and auxiliary games played by aplurality of players from a plurality of local or remote physicallocations such as various casinos, hotels, houses etc.

[0186] Although the present invention has been explained herein above byway of preferred embodiments thereof, it should be noted that anymodifications to these preferred embodiments within the scope of theappended claims is not deemed to alter or change the nature and scope ofthe present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of playing a casino table gamecomprising: displaying cards from a standard deck of playing cards asbetting cards, wherein said playing cards have at least one of aninteger value, a face value, a suit, a color and a parity; recording atleast one gaming bet from a player, wherein said player chooses a numbern of said betting cards for each of said at least one gaming bet;drawing at random from said standard deck of playing cards apayout-determining card wherein said payout determining card is any onecard of said standard deck of playing cards; using saidpayout-determining card, calculating a payout for each of said at leastone gaming bet, for said player, said payout amounting to 48/n when saidpayout-determining card matches one of said betting cards chosen, andsaid payout amounting to zero when said payout-determining card does notmatch any of said betting cards chosen.
 2. The method as claimed inclaim 1, wherein said gaming bet is only recorded when 48/n is aninteger, said payout being an integer amount.
 3. The method as claimedin claim 1, wherein said number n of said betting cards represents allof said betting cards of a same face value.
 4. The method as claimed inclaim 1, wherein said number n of said betting cards represents all ofsaid betting cards in a same suit.
 5. The method as claimed in claim 1,wherein said number n of said betting cards represents all of saidbetting cards in one of: a same face value; and a same suit.
 6. Themethod as claimed in claim 1, wherein said number n of said bettingcards represents all of said betting cards in one of: a same range offace values; a same color; and a same parity.
 7. The method as claimedin claim 1, wherein said number n of said betting cards represents allbetting cards in one of: a same face value; a same suit; a same range offace values; a same color; and a same parity.
 8. The method as claimedin claim 1, further comprising a step of recording a securing bet fromsaid player, wherein said player chooses a number s of said playingcards as bet securing cards, wherein said bet securing cards allow saidplayer to modify a casino house income ratio.
 9. The method as claimedin claim 8, wherein when said payout-determining card matches one ofsaid s bet securing cards chosen by said player, a payout of zero iscalculated for said player and said gaming bet identifying a number n ofplaying cards made by said player is returned to said player. 10.(deleted)
 11. (deleted).
 12. (deleted)
 13. (deleted)
 14. The method asclaimed in claim 1, further comprising identifying at least one card notchosen as betting cards from said deck of playing cards as at least oneoutside card.
 15. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein at leastone of said at least one outside card is an all bets lose card, whereina payout of zero is calculated for said player when said all bets losecard is drawn.
 16. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein at leastone of said at least one outside card is a free turn card, wherein saidgaming bet is returned to said player when said free turn card is drawn.17. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein said gaming bet is onlyrecorded when 48/n is an integer, said payout being an integer amount.18. The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein said at least one outsidecard is one card from each of four of said suits and said number n=12 ofsaid betting cards chooses all of said betting cards in a same suit. 19.The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein said at least one outsidecard is four cards of odd parity so that said number n=24 of saidbetting cards identifies all of said betting cards of same parity. 20.The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein said at least one outsidecard is four cards of a same face value so that said number n=24 of saidbetting cards identifies all of said betting cards in a same range offace values of one of two ranges of face values lower or higher thanface value
 7. 21. The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein said atleast one outside card is four cards having a face value of 7 and twojokers from a deck of fifty-four playing cards.
 22. The method asclaimed in claim 1, further comprising providing a game surface havingareas corresponding to said cards and arranged in a geometric pattern.23. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein said number n of cards isidentified by a geometrical characteristic of said game surfacegeometric pattern.
 24. The method as claimed in claim 23, furthercomprising positioning a betting marker on a betting area identifyingsaid geometrical characteristic on said game surface geometric patternwherein said betting areas make up a play board.
 25. The method asclaimed in claim 24, wherein said number n is selected such that 48/n isan integer.
 26. The method as claimed in claim 25, further comprisingidentifying two or more of said betting areas by positioning saidbetting marker, wherein said marker is positioned to sit on a borderbetween two or more said betting areas.
 27. The method as claimed inclaim 14, further comprising identifying at least one card of saidoutside cards as an all outside bets lose card.